Red Velvet Cake Balls

Introduction

Red Velvet Cake Balls are a playful and decadent spin on the beloved red velvet cake, offering all the flavor and indulgence in a bite-sized treat. These delightful cake balls are made by combining moist red velvet cake with creamy frosting, then dipping each one in a smooth, sweet layer of chocolate. They’re the perfect treat for any celebration, party, or just when you’re craving something sweet. Easy to make and impossible to resist, these cake balls are sure to impress.

The first time I made these, I was amazed at how simple they were to prepare, yet how fancy they looked and tasted. Rolling the moist cake and frosting mixture into little bites and dipping them in chocolate felt like a fun and creative project. Once they set, they were the perfect combination of rich, creamy, and chocolaty goodness. They didn’t last long at all, and I couldn’t wait to make them again.

What I love most about Red Velvet Cake Balls is how versatile they are. You can decorate them with sprinkles, a drizzle of white chocolate, or even a dusting of edible glitter for an extra touch of flair. Whether you’re making them for a holiday, a birthday, or just as a sweet treat for yourself, these cake balls are guaranteed to add a festive vibe and satisfy any sweet tooth.

Perfect for:

Birthdays
Weddings and anniversaries
Holidays like Christmas and Valentine’s Day
Baby showers and bridal showers
Sweet snacks or gifts

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Red Velvet Cake Balls will become your new favorite treat:

Moist and Flavorful: The combination of red velvet cake and creamy frosting creates a rich, moist, and flavorful bite in every ball.
Easy to Make: These cake balls are simple to prepare and don’t require complex baking techniques.
Versatile Decorations: You can decorate them with sprinkles, edible glitter, or even a drizzle of white chocolate to make them look extra festive.
Perfect for Sharing: These small, bite-sized treats are great for parties, allowing guests to easily grab one without the mess.
Customizable: You can use different types of chocolate coatings or even roll the balls in crushed nuts or coconut for added texture.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total Time: 2 hours (plus cooling time)
Preparation Time: 25 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Chilling Time: 1 hour
Servings: 24 cake balls
Calories per serving: Approximately 150-200 calories
Key Nutrients: Protein: 2g, Carbs: 25g, Fat: 8g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Red Velvet Cake Balls:

1 box red velvet cake mix (plus ingredients required on the box, usually eggs, oil, and water)
1 can (8 oz) cream cheese frosting
12 oz white or dark chocolate chips (for coating)
2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for melting the chocolate)
Optional: Red sprinkles, edible glitter, or crushed nuts for decoration

Ingredient Highlights

Red Velvet Cake Mix: The base for these cake balls, providing the signature red color and mild chocolate flavor.
Cream Cheese Frosting: Adds moisture and richness to the cake balls, helping them hold together while adding a tangy flavor that complements the sweet cake.
Chocolate Coating: The chocolate coating helps bind the cake balls together and provides a deliciously sweet finish.
Sprinkles and Decorations: These add a touch of fun and elegance to the cake balls, making them even more festive.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Bake the Cake:

Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven according to the instructions on the box for the red velvet cake mix.
Prepare the Cake: Prepare the cake mix as directed on the box (usually by adding eggs, oil, and water).
Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and bake according to the time specified on the box, typically 28-30 minutes.
Cool the Cake: Once the cake is baked, let it cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.

Form the Cake Balls:

Crumble the Cake: Once the cake is fully cooled, crumble it into small pieces in a large bowl using your hands or a fork.
Add Frosting: Add the cream cheese frosting to the crumbled cake and mix until fully combined. The mixture should be moist enough to hold its shape when rolled into balls.
Roll into Balls: Using your hands, roll the cake mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Coat the Cake Balls:

Melt the Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips and vegetable oil in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until smooth and fully melted.
Dip the Cake Balls: Using a fork or toothpick, dip each cake ball into the melted chocolate, ensuring it’s fully coated.
Allow Excess Chocolate to Drip Off: Let any excess chocolate drip off the cake ball before placing it back on the parchment paper.

Chill and Decorate:

Chill the Cake Balls: Refrigerate the dipped cake balls for at least 1 hour, or until the chocolate coating is firm.
Decorate (Optional): Once the chocolate has set, feel free to decorate the cake balls with sprinkles, edible glitter, or a drizzle of contrasting chocolate.

How to Serve

On a Platter: Arrange the cake balls on a decorative platter for a fun, bite-sized treat at parties.
Gift Presentation: Package them in a cute box or jar as a sweet gift for friends or family.
With Hot Beverages: Serve alongside coffee or hot cocoa for a perfect dessert pairing.
For Special Occasions: Serve as a dessert at birthdays, weddings, or other celebrations.

Additional Tips

Cool the Cake Thoroughly: Make sure the cake is completely cool before crumbling it; otherwise, it will become too mushy to roll.
Don’t Skip the Oil in the Chocolate: The vegetable oil in the chocolate helps create a smooth coating that will set properly.
Adjust Frosting Amount: If the mixture is too dry, add more frosting. If it’s too wet, add a bit of extra crumbled cake.
Decorate Immediately: After dipping the cake balls in chocolate, decorate them before the coating hardens to ensure the decorations stick.

Recipe Variations

Chocolate Coating: Use dark or milk chocolate instead of white chocolate for a different flavor.
Coconut Red Velvet Cake Balls: Roll the cake balls in shredded coconut after dipping them in chocolate for a tropical twist.
Mini Cheesecake Red Velvet Balls: Add a cream cheese filling inside the cake balls for a cheesecake-inspired dessert.
Sprinkles Mix: Use different colored sprinkles or candy melts for seasonal celebrations.
Chocolate Ganache: Drizzle a rich chocolate ganache over the top of the cake balls for a luxurious finish.
Nutty Red Velvet Cake Balls: Coat the cake balls in crushed nuts like pecans or almonds for added crunch.
Raspberry Red Velvet Cake Balls: Add a hint of raspberry flavor by mixing raspberry jam into the cake mixture.
Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle caramel sauce over the top of the cake balls for a sweet contrast.
Mint Chocolate Red Velvet Balls: Use mint chocolate or peppermint extract for a refreshing twist.
Red Velvet Cake Truffles: Roll the cake balls in a combination of melted white chocolate and crushed graham crackers for a truffle-like texture.

Freezing and Storage

Freezing: Place the cake balls on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or refrigerate for up to 1 week.

Special Equipment

Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer: For mixing the cake batter and cream cheese frosting quickly and thoroughly.
Cake Pop or Truffle Mold: A mold can help shape your cake balls uniformly for a perfect round shape.
Silicone Spatula: Ideal for scraping the sides of your mixing bowl and folding the frosting into the cake crumbs.
Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mat: Helps to place the cake balls after dipping, preventing them from sticking.
Double Boiler: To melt chocolate or candy coating for dipping without burning it.
Dipping Tools: Tools like a fork or dipping spoon for dipping and coating the cake balls evenly in melted chocolate.
Candy Thermometer: Ensures your chocolate coating is at the right temperature for smooth dipping.
Cake Ball Sticks or Skewers: For dipping and setting the cake balls, especially if you want to serve them as cake pops.
Cooling Rack: Useful for letting the dipped cake balls set and cool without them touching anything, ensuring an even coating.
Decorating Bags: For piping extra decorations or drizzling additional chocolate on top of the cake balls for a more polished look.

FAQ

Can I use homemade red velvet cake instead of a box mix? Yes, homemade cake can work well, but make sure it’s the right consistency to form cake balls.
Can I make these in advance? Yes, you can make and chill these up to a day in advance.
What if my chocolate coating is too thick? If the chocolate coating is too thick, add a little more vegetable oil to thin it out.
Can I use frosting other than cream cheese? You can use buttercream or any other frosting, but cream cheese adds a signature flavor.
How can I make these less sweet? You can reduce the sweetness by using dark chocolate coating or adjusting the amount of frosting.

Conclusion

Red Velvet Cake Balls are a fun, festive, and delicious treat that combine the rich flavor of red velvet cake with smooth, creamy frosting, all coated in a sweet chocolate shell. Whether you’re serving them at a gathering or gifting them to friends and family, these cake balls are sure to make an impression.

With endless decorating possibilities and flavor variations, they’re perfect for any occasion. You can dip them in white, milk, or dark chocolate, and get creative with sprinkles, edible glitter, or a drizzle of more frosting on top. These bite-sized delights are not only visually stunning but also packed with flavor, making them the perfect way to treat yourself and others to a memorable indulgence.

I can’t wait to see your Red Velvet Cake Ball creations! Snap a photo and tag me on Instagram—I’d love to see how you put your personal touch on this dessert. Don’t forget to share any unique twists in the comments. Happy baking!